How long does it take to change a habit? It varies, but one paper suggests it takes an average of 66 days. We ask writers to change one thing in their lives within that timeframe … and tell us if it works
Read more in the 66 days to change seriesMore summer essentialsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast
I’m sitting on the couch with Zoe the jack russell on my lap and we’re watching the Gourmet Farmer who is in France researching how to preserve meat in cans. It’s a relaxing Thursday night. So why am I biting my nails? As I gnaw at my fingers, the TV chef opens a can of paté and eats it with a fresh baguette. What a life. I can only dream of opening cans of paté with my bare hands like that; my bitten-down fingernails can’t get under the pull ring.
I also struggle to untie knots. Or peel the stickers off apples. But worse than those inconveniences is the pain and shame my lifelong habit causes. It stings when I bite my nails too much and I’m embarrassed by how short they are.
About Author
More Stories
I’ve lost contact with my mother and feel I’m the family pariah
Roman Kemp: ‘Here’s all my faults. Have ’em. Enjoy’
Ditch the itch: what’s the best way to soothe mosquito bites?